April 2018

Three Alfred State sport management students were able to gain valuable industry insight and engage in a number of significant networking opportunities recently during the 2018 Niagara University Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Summit.

Held in St. Vincent’s Hall on the Niagara University campus, the event enabled the students to learn from sport industry professionals from Clemson University Athletics, University of Connecticut Athletics, the Buffalo Sabres Foundation, Buffalo Bisons, Toronto FC, Rockland Boulders, Spectrum Center Charlotte, Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo, Niagara University Athletics, and the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

In addition to hearing from keynote speakers from the National World War I Museum and Memorial (Chris Wyche, vice president) and Clemson University Athletics (Jonathan Gantt, director of new and creative media), students were also able to gain valuable industry insight within panel discussions focusing on topics such as development, scouting, youth sports, minor league sports, new media, and senior leadership.

Pictured at the 2018 Niagara University Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Summit, from
left to right, are Alfred State sport management students Christopher Smerina, Learoy
Smith, and Fernando Ramos.

Those who attended from Alfred State include Fernando Ramos, of Yonkers; Learoy Smith, of Yonkers; and Christopher Smerina, of Staten Island. John Lisec, assistant professor in Alfred State’s Business Department, said the summit provided a significant opportunity for sport management students to gain additional knowledge, perspective, and industry connections with top sport industry professionals.

“While information learned within the classroom is important and significant, industry-based events such as this provide Alfred State students tangible networking and mentorship opportunities, unique career advice about working in the sport industry, and connections necessary for full-time employment,” Lisec said. “These type of events truly have become a top priority and provide unique opportunities for Alfred State sport management students to pursue various sport business career paths.”

Ramos noted this was the second time he has attended the summit, and that both years he met a lot of great industry professionals.

“I highly recommend students in my major attend this event,” he said.

Smith said he had a great experience at the summit, especially during the networking segment.

“One of my highlights was speaking to Ashley Gladney, who is the assistant manager of facility operations at Spectrum Center at the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority,” he said. “She helped me to get a better understanding of the ins and outs of sports facility management and how I can better prepare myself to be successful. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this summit.”

The building trades: building construction program will soon be housed in an impressive new, state-of-the art facility on the Wellsville campus, as an extensive construction project nears completion. In celebration, the college will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the building, named the Construction Industry Workforce Development Center, at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 13.

Speakers for the ceremony will include: Dr. Skip Sullivan, president of Alfred State; Dr. Craig Clark, Alfred State vice president for Economic Development; Patricia Fogarty, Alfred State College Council chair; Julie Schmidt, representative from State Sen. Catharine Young’s Office; Curt Crandall, chairman of the Allegany County Board of Legislators; Daniel E. Mossien, RA, NCARB, of Mossien Associates Architects, PC; and Fred Thompson, of LeChase Construction.

Located on the Wellsville campus, the 35,000-square-foot facility includes a large open bay space for prefabrication and mock-up work, and other special projects. Students have used the building for hands-on laboratories by conducting much of the interior work for the center. The open laboratory space has also been used to construct houses entered in the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competitions in China and California.

This fall, the structure will be home to freshman and senior building construction trades shops, as well as open lab space, state-of-the-art classrooms, and faculty offices. This center was made possible through donations, grants, and the Educational Foundation of Alfred, Inc., which owns the Wellsville campus.

To RSVP for the ribbon-cutting, please contact Pam Brandes by Friday, April 6 at 607-587-3101 or at BrandePJ@alfredstate.edu.

Whether on the hunt for a full-time job, internship, or new professional connections, over 500 Alfred State College students recently flocked to the spring career fair on the main campus with résumés in hand.

Each semester, the career fairs at Alfred State help prepare students of all levels and backgrounds for that next important phase of their lives through face-to-face interactions with employers. This semester was no exception, as the Alfred career fair brought in 92 employers from a wide range of industries. Another career fair held on the Wellsville campus brought in 80 employers earlier in March.

“We always encourage students, from freshmen on up, to participate. Those who aren’t ready to start looking for work can simply walk around and see what a career fair is,” said Elaine Morsman, director of the Alfred State Center for Career Development. “As they progress in their college career, they can begin to introduce themselves, then apply for summer jobs, then internships, and eventually full-time career jobs.”

While open to internship opportunities, architecture student Shannon Fay, of Schuylerville, was mainly looking to network at the Alfred career fair, saying, “I want to get to know faces so that, when I start applying next year, I’ll be connected to some people here.”

Also at the event, the Business Professionals of America (BPA) Club students sponsored a LinkedIn photo booth. This allowed students to get professional headshots taken for their LinkedIn profiles.

Employers came away with very positive reactions to speaking with ASC students that day. Representatives from CAF USA, a railway manufacturing company, said they were impressed by students’ energy levels and preparedness, while describing their first recruiting experience at Alfred State.

An Alfred State student engages with employers in the construction industry.

​Aerotek, a recruiting and staffing company for engineering, architecture, and construction industries, has attended numerous Alfred State career fairs in the past.

“A lot of our clients look for students specifically from Alfred State because many of them, especially in the architecture and construction fields, graduated from here,” explained Kelly Fenton, a construction services account manager. “We see a lot more of our clients sending representatives themselves because they’ve heard good things.”

Representatives from New York Leak Detection, Inc. (NYLD) shared particular interest in Alfred State surveying students. According to Chelsea Marnell, a career development specialist at NYLD, “There aren’t a lot of schools that offer surveying and we’re looking for students with hands-on experience.”

Reflecting on the event, Morsman noted, “The career fair is the culmination of all of the work that our office does throughout the year — working with students to prepare them, employer relations, résumé critiques, workshops, etc. It is so incredibly rewarding when we see students arrive dressed professionally with résumés in hand, eager to introduce themselves to employers. It really doesn’t get any better than that.”

A total of 154 students presented 138 science and technology projects to the judges for a chance at a share of the $1,590 in prize money. Participants were divided into three divisions: senior (grades 10-12), junior (grades seven through nine), and novice (grades four through six).

Winners in the senior division included first-place winner ($250) Nathan Kloc from Portville with “Life Saving Forces,” second-place winner ($150) James Daley from Portville with “Converting Acoustic Energy into Electrical Energy Using Piezoelectricity,” and third-place winner ($100) Maggie Waugh from Portville with “Hot or Not.”

Winners in the junior division included first-place winner ($250) Isaac Howell from Hinsdale with “Tough as Nails,” second-place winner ($150) Teddan Shaw from Archbishop Walsh with “Robotic Leg,” and third-place winner ($100) Nicolas Teachout from Lima Christian School with “How Far Does a Gauss Gun Shoot.”

The grand prize ($500) went to Hannah Cole from Portville with “Brace Yourself.”

The People’s Choice Award resulted in a tie between (Certificate/Ribbon) Jessica Munson from Portville with “Third Eye” and Bryson Jones from St. Ann’s Academy with “Soil of the Future.”

Pictured are the students who were awarded for their projects at Alfred State’s 19th annual Regional Science and T
echnology Fair. In the front row, from left to right, are Maggie Waugh, Lilli Khettry, Maria Rickert, and McKenzie
Calderwood. In the back row, from left to right, are Hannah Cole, Leigha Haberly, Jessica Munson, Nathan Kloc,
James Daley, Nicolas Teachout, Isaac Howell, Teddan Shaw, Kendra McLean, and Interim Dean of Alfred State’s
School of Arts and Sciences Dr. Ingrid Johnston. Not pictured is Bryson Jones.

Each participant received a certificate of participation, and individual ribbons were presented to first-, second-, and third-place prize winners in all divisions. The Science and Technology Fair was sponsored by Alstom, ACES, Fisher Scientific, Alfred State College Student Senate, Alfred State College Science Society Club, Alfred State College Physical and Life Sciences Department, American Chemical Society, Estes Rockets, Carolina Biological, and Fruition Seeds.

Posted Date: Monday, April 9, 2018 - 11:00Alfred State President Dr. Skip Sullivan and College Council Chair Patricia Fogarty,
front row, sixth and seventh from the left, along with LeChase Construction President
and CEO William Goodrich and Mach Architecture Executive Vice President Douglas
Schaefer, fourth and fifth from the left, cut a ribbon at a ceremony to celebrate the
completion of the first phase of the MacKenzie Makeover project. Also pictured are
several other project partners and members of the MacKenzie Makeover committee.

With the first phase of the MacKenzie Makeover renovation now finished, Alfred State College and its project partners recently celebrated the new look and amenities of the largest residence hall on campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Attending the ceremony were representatives from Mach Architecture, Pathfinder Engineers & Architects LLP, LeChase Construction, and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY); honored guests; as well as Alfred State faculty, staff, and students, both past and present, some of whom have lived in the MacKenzie Complex.

The first phase of the MacKenzie Makeover project wrapped up just prior to the start of the spring semester. Among the upgrades are a new dining area named “TimberLineZ,” a fitness center, laundry facility, and informal gathering spaces showcasing fireplaces and water features.

“It’s a really exciting time for us,” he said. “For those who have been here in the past, they know what this facility looked like and what a wonderful transformation (this is).”

ASC President Dr. Skip Sullivan spoke next, thanking those in attendance, as well as those involved with and affected by the renovations. Sullivan also acknowledged a couple in attendance who had met in MacKenzie: 1975 graduates Criss and Kathy Onan.

Speaking about the newly renovated portion of the facility, the president noted, “We are absolutely delighted with the way it has turned out.”

Rob Ryan, director of construction and western New York operations at DASNY, said, “I have to say, in my 10 years at DASNY, this is absolutely, unequivocally the most transforming renovation I have ever seen … We’re very excited about it, and it’s just a great day to be here and celebrate.”

Speaking next was Mach Architecture Executive Vice President Douglas Schaefer, a 1985 ASC architectural technology graduate who resided in MacKenzie as a student. He noted that Mach’s goal was to “create spaces that really address the needs of today’s students – how they interact socially, how they watch TV, how they study,” etc.

Alex Strasenburgh, a partner at Pathfinder Engineers & Architects LLP, had a message for the engineers of the future who were in attendance: “Work hard, study hard, find an internship, and be a part of a project like this in the future.”

LeChase Construction President and CEO William Goodrich, who received a construction engineering technology degree from Alfred State in 1984 and had resided in MacKenzie as a student, spoke next. He mentioned the strong ongoing partnership between LeChase and ASC, recognized those involved in the project, and congratulated the college on the changes to MacKenzie.

The final speaker was Matthew Ryan, senior director of Residential Services at Alfred State. He said phase one of the MacKenzie renovation “marks the beginning of the end of a 12-year process of renovating our residential facilities, bringing in amenities and new and unique living areas for our students that are second to none.”

“This facility, as many have said today, is absolutely amazing,” Ryan said.

With the first phase of the project now complete, the second phase is now underway. According to DASNY, this includes the renovation of the MacKenzie South and East wings, and associated site improvements, such as new sidewalks and landscaping, for both buildings. Exterior renovations will include roof and window replacement and the construction of new entrance vestibules, while interior upgrades will include reconstructing existing bathrooms and public and support spaces.

Additionally, the student rooms will receive new flooring and paint. Mechanical and plumbing systems will be reconstructed and a fire protection system will be installed throughout the entire building. All power, lighting, data, and alarm systems will be replaced, as well.

Following the remarks, ceremony attendees were able to tour the newly renovated space and witness the amazing new amenities, new apartments, and craftsmanship of the building.

Alfred State College (ASC) is excited to announce the 2018 Hot Dog Day Concert will feature Mayday Parade, Murs, and the Alfred State Rock Band.

The show will take place Wednesday, April 18 at Pioneer Stadium, with the Orvis Activities Center serving as the rain location. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.

Feature performer Mayday Parade will be sure to delight with their rock/pop music that has resulted in five successful albums, many stints on the Vans Warped Tour, and has created a loyal, rabid fan base. The opener, Murs, will bring his 20-plus years of performing to Alfred to perform raps from all of his albums, including his newest, “A Strange Journey Into the Unimaginable.”

Tickets are on sale at the Campus Store and cost $5 for students in advance, $10 for non-students, and $10 at the gate. For more information, please call 607-587-4075 or email studentactivities@alfredstate.edu.

State University of New York Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson honored 249 SUNY students from across the state in Albany recently with the 2018 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, including Alfred State College’s own Hannah Vuozzo and Katherine Holmok.

“I am immensely proud of these students, who have demonstrated academic excellence and dedication to enriching their campuses and communities,” said SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. “From research publications in industry journals to volunteering in hospitals and local clinics to holding leadership roles at their institutions, I am inspired by each student we recognize today, including Hannah Vuozzo and Katherine Holmok from Alfred State College. Congratulations to all of the students receiving this year’s award.”

Pictured, along with SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson, left, and
Alfred State President Dr. Skip Sullivan, is 2018 Chancellor’s Award
for Student Excellence winner Hannah Vuozzo, an Alfred State
interdisciplinary studies major from Salt Point.

Johnson was joined by special guest Erin Hamlin, a four-time Olympian, 2014 bronze medalist, and two-time luge world champion. Hamlin made history at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games as the first American (male or female) to win an Olympic medal in singles luge, and was the first US woman to win a medal in any luge discipline at the Olympic Games. The Olympian and world champion earned her Associate of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies online from Empire State College.

As for the two ASC students who were honored, Vuozzo is an interdisciplinary studies major from Salt Point, and Holmok is a business administration major from Prattsville.

During her time at Alfred State, Vuozzo has served as the student co-vice president of the college’s chapter of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, study abroad liaison for the SUNY Student Assembly, executive vice president for Student Senate, managing editor and reporter for the campus newspaper Tor Echo, and secretary for the Alfred Programming Board. Additionally, Vuozzo also served as a communications intern while studying abroad in Sorrento, Italy, interned in the ASC Marketing Communications Office, is a member of the Alfred State Honors Program, and was named a SUNYCON 2016 Student Fellow.

As an ASC student, Holmok served as president and chair of Student Senate, liaison to the Alfred Village Board, lead civic engagement advocate for the Center for Civic Engagement, senior representative for the SUNY Student Assembly, and member of the college’s Business Professionals of America chapter. Holmok also was named a Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society, received a Leadership through Civic Engagement Award, and helped organize and host an event on campus in support of the Maintenance of Effort bill.

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997 to recognize students who have best demonstrated, and have been recognized for, the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts, campus involvement, or career achievement.

Each year, SUNY campus presidents establish a selection committee, which reviews the accomplishments of exemplary students. Nominees are then forwarded to the Chancellor’s Office for a second round of review. Finalists are then recommended to the chancellor to become recipients of the award.

Pictured is 2018 Chancellor’s Award for
Student Excellence winner Katherine
Holmok, an Alfred State business
administration major from Prattsville.

The Alfred State College Culinary Arts Department will host a barbecue dinner from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 26.

The dinner will take place, weather permitting, outside The Refinery Restaurant in the Culinary Arts Building on the Wellsville campus. In the event of inclement weather, the dinner will be held inside the restaurant.

US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross recently announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to the Research Foundation for The State University of New York, Alfred State College to renovate and expand an existing building to house the Biorefinery Development and Commercialization Center (BDDC).

The BDDC will be a research and development center and a commercial scale-up facility focused on developing commercially viable products from wood materials. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to spur $500,000 in private investment.

“This project supports local leaders’ unflinching efforts to generate greater economic opportunities in New York,” said Ross. “The new Biorefinery Development and Commercialization Center will help the region capitalize on its assets to spur new business growth.”

“We are proud to support this funding for the exciting, innovative new energy project at Alfred State,” said US Rep. Tom Reed, R-Corning. “We care deeply about our neighbors and how this project will provide them additional jobs and opportunities right in our backyard.”

The project will renovate an existing building and build an 18,000-square-foot addition to a privately owned facility located near Alfred in Allegany County to support the operation of the BDDC. The renovated building will facilitate research needed to help advance the commercialization process for products developed from wood materials. The research process is also expected to allow for the construction of other processing plants throughout forested portions of the state to create job opportunities and new markets for wood products.

Beginning Monday, April 16, Alfred State College will be hosting a weeklong series of events in celebration of Earth Week 2018.

Led by students, the events and activities will focus on sustainability and increasing awareness about this topic across campus.

“If students are taught how to live more sustainably in college, then they will share that knowledge with other communities when they graduate,” explained Peter York, a civic engagement advocate for sustainability, and a construction management major from Akron.

The schedule of events is as follows:

Monday, April 16

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Leadership Center (SLC) Park Space: Join Opt to Adopt (Vet Tech Club) to learn about waste in nature and its effects on animals.

7-8 p.m. in SLC 310, Small Events Space: “Citizens of a Good Earth,” a student panel discussion hosted by Student Senate, the Center for Civic Engagement, and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Tuesday, April 17

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in SLC Park Space: Pioneer engineers will be collecting batteries and plastic bags to recycle.

Wednesday, April 18

4-6 p.m. in SLC Park Space: Join the Newman Club to make “dirt cup” desserts and learn about composting.

Thursday, April 19

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Central Dining Hall, Student Gathering Space: The Sustainability Club will be conducting a water taste test.

2-4 p.m. in SLC Park Space: Join the Robotics Club to test your skills at building a boat out of commonly found garbage.